Yes, the NHL playoffs are still underway, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from dissecting the Bruins’ roster and debating what comes next. Fans are already deep into those conversations — just look at social media — and you can be sure Bruins management is having the same discussions behind closed doors as they map out their offseason priorities.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Bruins’ restricted free agents — who should be brought back and who it may be time to move on from. One thing to keep in mind: while NHL opportunities may be limited, the AHL roster is almost a blank slate. Filling those holes, while still keeping an eye on organizational depth for the big club, will be a critical part of Boston’s offseason calculus.
Luke Cavallin – Goaltender – Qualifying offer: $813,750
It may be hard to believe, but there are legitimate goaltending questions facing the organization. Cavallin was brought in last year to anchor the crease in Maine and provide insurance for Providence in the event of injuries or a call‑up to Boston. He ended up being needed in exactly that role, which is why bringing him back to reprise it makes sense.
Simon Zajicek – Goaltender – Qualifying offer: $813,750
Zajicek has the tools to be a quality AHL goaltender, but whether he can step in on an NHL roster when needed remains an open question. Injuries robbed everyone of a real evaluation window this season. When he did get the net, he performed well, and his track record in Europe suggests there’s more there to uncover. With Max Lundgren under contract and the uncertainty over Michael DiPietro’s future, Zajicek — now arbitration‑eligible — is an easy decision to bring back. He gives the organization stability at a position where they quietly need it.
Jordan Harris – Defense – Qualifying offer: $866,250
If Harris is penciled into the Bruins’ top six next season, that’s a problem. But as a seventh defenseman, he has value — he can handle spot duty on either side, play low‑event minutes, and give you a reliable plug‑in option when injuries hit. His next contract should come in low enough that, if someone beats him out, it can be buried in the AHL without any real cap consequence. This one feels like a coin flip. The question is whether the Bruins can find someone who fills that role more effectively.
Matthew Poitras – Center – Qualifying offer: $813,750
This is the easiest “yes” on the list. He went to Providence, did everything the organization asked of him, and rounded out his game in the process. And despite what some fans might think, he still carries value around the league.
Max Wanner – Defense – Qualifying offer: $813,750
Right‑shot defense remains a problem for the Bruins at both the NHL and AHL levels, and while Wanner technically fits that need, there’s no urgency to get him under contract. He simply doesn’t align with the profile of the modern defenseman. At this point, elevating Ty Gallagher from an AHL deal to an NHL contract would make far more sense for the organization.
Riley Duran – Right Wing – Qualifying offer: $813,750
There was a time when Duran looked like he might grow into a fourth‑line option, but that was back when the prospect pool was far thinner. Right wing remains as much of an organizational concern as defense, and while Duran ultimately projects as a career AHLer, he’s still worth bringing back. He can give you honest minutes in Providence and serve as a capable short‑term call‑up if injuries hit.
Alex Gendron – Center/Wing – Qualifying offer: $813,750
Gendron has some offensive touch, but it’s unlikely to translate at the NHL level. That said, as mentioned from the outset, the Bruins also have an AHL roster to build. He didn’t get much runway in the system after arriving via trade, and I’d like to see whether there’s more to uncover. At 22, there’s still enough developmental runway to justify bringing him back.
And now we get to the two players who have the fanbase split on.
Lukas Reichel – Left Wing – Qualifying offer: $1,300,000
Reichel brings something the Bruins sorely lack: speed. Most fans weren’t blown away by his post‑deadline stint, but beyond the wheels, there’s legitimate skill in his game. I’d like to see what he looks like after a full training camp and more time in the Bruins’ system. But that only makes sense under one condition — the contract has to come in below his qualifying offer. It needs to be a deal that can be buried in Providence without creating any cap complications. If that’s the case, I’m fully on board with bringing him back.
Fabian Lysell – Right Wing – Qualifying offer: $874,125
The Bruins have invested five years in Fabian Lysell’s development, and he has yet to show even a hint that he’s ready to break into the NHL lineup. The recurring issues are well‑documented. A former first‑round pick whose value has eroded to the point of virtually no league‑wide interest, he’s become a diminished asset — the kind that often prompts an organization to simply walk away, leaving the player to reset his career in Europe. And yet, I’d give him one more shot. There’s nothing to lose at this stage. Providence needs bodies, and he fits comfortably into that lineup for another year while still giving the Bruins one last chance to see if something finally clicks.
–
